Check your rights around dissolved companies, director duties, accessing company records, and recovering money owed when a company is struck off — checked against official sources.
↓ Try the Checker NowCompany directors carry specific legal duties under the Companies Act 2006 — from filing accurate accounts on time to acting in the company's best interests — and failing to meet these obligations can carry personal liability, not just a company-level consequence.
Companies House charges automatic late filing penalties that increase the longer accounts remain overdue, and persistent failures can lead to the company being struck off the register entirely — directors can also face disqualification for repeated or serious compliance failures, which carries consequences well beyond the company itself.
This isn't just a formality — directors must genuinely promote the success of the company for the benefit of its members, avoid conflicts of interest, and exercise reasonable care and skill. Breaching these duties can expose a director to personal liability, particularly in cases of clear negligence or self-dealing.
This checker gives you a plain English read on your specific situation, answered only from its own guide for your part of the UK, checked against official sources. No login needed, and your answer is generated instantly based on what you tell us.
Our guidance covers many common situations, but complex or high-stakes cases need professional advice. Official information: GOV.UK. For free help, contact Citizens Advice (England 0800 144 8848, Wales 0800 702 2020), Citizens Advice Scotland (0800 028 1456) or Advice NI (0800 915 4604), or speak to a solicitor.
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Describe your employment situation and we'll check your obligations
Tip: Tell us whether the company is dissolved, in administration or still trading, and what you are owed or need to know.
Include whether you are a director or company secretary, the company status, what your question is about, and any deadlines or letters you have had.
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Free · Guidance only, not legal advice
What must a company file each year?
Each year the company must send Companies House a confirmation statement and its accounts, even if it is dormant or nothing has changed.
What happens if the accounts are late?
Accounts that arrive late bring an automatic penalty, starting at £150 for a private company.
Do directors need to verify their identity?
Yes. Directors must have their identity verified by Companies House: a new director before acting, and an existing director by the next confirmation statement.
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The checker answers only from this guide (one guide for the whole UK; lines that differ by nation are marked), plus what you tell it. If your question is not covered there, it says so instead of guessing. Each guide was checked against primary sources on 26 September 2026.
Spotted something missing, wrong or out of date? Tell us, or comment on the guide.
Further reading: our blog explains what to do if you have missed your Companies House accounts deadline.
Directed and published by Matt Thompson, founder of UK Work Rights. Guidance checked against GOV.UK, ACAS and legislation.gov.uk. This is general rights guidance, not legal advice.
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